Anfield Road

LUIS SUAREZ, Fernando Torres, and Xabi Alonso are amongst the names set to make a return to Anfield this month – but they won’t be available for current manager Brendan Rodgers to add to his squad.

The trio are just some of the players taking part in a charity football game being staged to “benefit the people of Liverpool” at Anfield at the end of the month, featuring two “All-Star” line-ups including a number of Europe’s elite players.

The two teams will be selected by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who also take on the roles of captain for one team each. The event has been organised by LFC’s official charity, the Liverpool FC Foundation, and sees the two captains choose from “some of the most influential players they have played with or against”.

As well as Suarez, Torres and Alonso, other players confirmed so far include Pepe Reina, Dirk Kuyt, Thierry Henry, John Terry (what’s that song again?) and Didier Drogba. The club have also agreed to allow current LFC first team players to play some part – assuming they aren’t on international duty that weekend. The game will also serve as a showcase for some of the Reds’ Academy youngsters with support on hand from the LFC backroom staff.

The game, which takes place on Sunday 29th March, is seen as an additional farewell for Steven Gerrard, who leaves for the LA Galaxy and MLS football at the end of the English season.

The club have pointed out that “each players’ involvement in the game including the duration of each players’ appearance is subject to players’ club approval, international duty obligations and fitness as at the time of the match”.

Tickets will be priced at £20 for adults, £5 for juniors and £15 for over 65s. Adult/junior tickets will be available at a ratio of 3:1 and disabled concessionary prices will also apply.

The proceeds will help to fund Liverpool FC Foundation’s community programmes, which benefit thousands of young people and adults throughout the city of Liverpool. Funds will also support Alder Hey’s new Hospital in the Park as well as providing support packages to Claire House, Positive Futures, Centre 56 and Cash for Kids.

Initial ticket sales are to season ticket holders and LFC members (sales began today at 1pm) with the general sale to follow at 8:15am on Wednesday 11th March.

For more information see: http://www.liverpoolfc.com/all-star-charity-match